The one to beat

The one to beat

Gary Friedman / LAT

THE ONE TO BEAT: Hank Aaron, who received hate mail and death threats three decades ago, is resigned to losing his home run mark. "The only way Barry doesn't break the record is if somebody breaks his leg," he says.

THE ONE TO BEAT: Hank Aaron, who received hate mail and death threats three decades ago, is resigned to losing his home run mark. "The only way Barry doesn't break the record is if somebody breaks his leg," he says. (Gary Friedman / LAT)

THE ONE TO BEAT: Hank Aaron, who received hate mail and death threats three decades ago, is resigned to losing his home run mark. "The only way Barry doesn't break the record is if somebody breaks his leg," he says.